Darwin Church Memories

I am not sure of the date on this photo in 1946, but it was when we officially opened the new Darwin Baptist Church up to the public. Many friends and relatives of the members were invited out to see our new church that Sunday morning. The cornerstone of the church building states November 1946.

Here are some of the members digging a grave in the cemetery. This was before the work was contracted out. Some of the churches did their own labor.

Left to Right: Rita Fleming, Byron Fleming, Zula McAlister, Ann Nelson, Guy Nelson, Loyd McAlister, Brother Cunningham on the end. Front is Hammer, Avis Steele's Brother..

After photo: Back Row Left to Right: Mrs. McKnight, Mona Freeman, Lenora McKnight, Brother Hughes, Unknown girl, Odessa Talley; Front Row: Shirley McAlister, Glen Hughes, Pastor's son, Gary ?

This house was next to the new church building. We had services in it until we finished the new building.

Some of the people identified on this picture and in no order are: Shirley McAlister, Betty Roberson, Eunice Talley, Guy Nelson, Byron Fleming, Curtis Robinson and Baby Danny, Mrs. Kerr, Rita Fleming, Helen Roberson, Twins, Patsy and Nancy Roberson, Julia Doshier.

I want to give a special thanks to Shirley McAlister Smith and also Omer Doshier for getting me these photos. Shirley was very helpful in identifying some of the folks in the photos and some of the information. We are getting on a roll now, so if anyone wants to contribute a photo or some memories for this page, call me, write me, or e-mail me. I am not hard to find!

Here is a Antlers American newspaper clipping that announced the new church in 1946. Shirley McAlister Smith saved this for us over these years! Thanks both to her and the newspaper for the article. She sent me her originals and I have swapped out some of the ones that I had posted before.

Byron and Rita Fleming bought a farm on the Atoka-Pushmataha County line in 1945 in the Darwin community. We started going to the Darwin Baptist Church at its original site near the cemetery. I never knew growing up in the community that it would shape my life as it did. Over the years, I have thought about the church. I have always enjoyed my visits on Sunday mornings when I have returned and met some of the old faithful members and some new ones along with the newest Pastor.

From the fall of 1945 until October 1954 when I went into the U.S. Air Force, my parents made sure that Pat and Bill went to church every time they turned on the lights! Whether there was rain, sleet, snow, or sunshine, we went to Sunday School and Church services in the morning; went to evening worship services, and to Wednesday night prayer meetings.

I remember the families that we knew very well; Dutch Doshier family, Dock Hill family, Mrs. Talley and Eunice, Mrs. McKnight and Wayland, Mrs. Kerr and Martha, The Splawns, The Nelsons, The Westbrooks. The children of these families and more went to school together and to church together. We went to movies together and many were at each other's homes constantly.

At church we had a great youth program. We sang specials just about every Sunday. Many times, we would meet at the Fleming home to practice songs after Wednesday night services. Mom was the piano player and we all gathered around her and sang the songs until we got it right. Although Dad had to get up and go to work the next morning, he never complained and he made sure everyone got home safely that night. Later on, some of us even had our own little band.

As I said, Rita (Mom) learned to play the piano when she came to Darwin. After some lessons, she became a very good pianist and taught many people to play the piano over the years including Pat. Byron (Dad) was a Sunday School Superintendent among other positions with the church. When they wanted him to become a Deacon, he told them that he felt that he was unworthy of the position. That was Dad!. He was one of the strongest Christian men that I have ever known! I think everyone knew it but him! The church folks finally convinced him that he should take the position.

I remember the occasional wiener roasts, the Father and Son banquets, brotherhood meetings, after service Sunday buffet where everybody brought a dish. The boys really enjoyed the eating part of it all. My aunt Velma did not call me "rubber belly" for nothing!

The decade of time when I grew from a boy to a young man is forever ingrained in my mind. I always have a good and positive feeling when I think about the Darwin Baptist Church. I am happy to hear that Omer Doshier is a member of the church now although he still lives in Purcell. Darrel, Pat, and Jeff Heath go to the church when they are not called else where. Pat plays the piano just about where ever she goes. She had a great teacher - Mom!

Mom taught a lot of people to play over the years. Here is one potential student - her great-granddaughter, Christine!

It was good visiting with the Darwin church folks on Sunday 17, Father's Day. I saw some old friends and managed to pick up some of the old photos that you will see on the page below.

You can send me your thoughts, articles, and any photos by e-mailing me at the address at the bottom of the page.

During May 1993, the Darwin Baptist Church decided to honor Byron and Rita Fleming for all the effort they had put into the church. Here are a couple of pictures that were taken on that Sunday. Byron was already getting feeble and later became bedfast. I think I video taped some of the service that day. I need to get it out and revisit some of the speakers and singers that participated that day.

If you remember that day, please give us your thoughts. If you have any other special occasions, please let me know.

Thoughts from Omer Doshier:
I'm going to send you a picture of Mrs. Kerr, that dear old saint that helped to keep the doors of Darwin Baptist Church open along with your family! After Brother Jewel Cunningham left the church-having completed building the building, our next pastor was Brother Francis . He and his wife (I don't remember her name) had 3 children The oldest was Pat then Butch, and the
smallest girl (I don't remember her name either).

I remember in one of his sermons he told about when he worked for a man in Texarkana at an ice plant. The man was a scientologist and he would stand out on the dock in a lightening storm and shake his fist at God and dare Him to strike him down with lightening. (Webmaster's Note: I would think that Brother Francis moved away from his employer a good safe distance. It is not a good idea to challenge the Father!)

More from Omer later!

I do remember that day. It was fitting and appropriate for the church to honor the contributions of your parents in the history of the church. I was glad they didn't wait until it was too late. Your folks were truly "salt of the earth", and I always remember how strong their love was for each other. Like my folks, they won't be read about in the history books, but they and others like them are exactly what made this country what it is, with their faithfulness, determination, living their lives with unquestioned integrity and loving hearts, and leaving their part of the world a better place than they found it. They left their children and grandchildren a legacy far greater than material wealth, on which the world places such value. From my point of view, I'm grateful that they were my Uncle Byron and Aunt Rita.

By the way, do you remember an argument that you and I had at Aunt Velma's one day when we were maybe five or six years old? I said that Grandmother Williams was my grandmother, too. You hotly disputed that claim, saying, "No, she could not be my grandmother, because she was your grandmother." In your mind, she simply could not be both!

(I knew she was my grandmother, because my mother said so!

This photo I named Darwin Women Singers! Pat had a name for them one time. Was it the Darwin Dollies? This photo was taken July 31, 2005 and Pat had designed the skirts. Photo from Left to Right:

Judy Petree, Christy Kellett, Sharon Pearce, Evelyn Doshier, and Pat Heath. Pat tells me there are more that are not in this photograph..

Not to be outdone, the men play a variety of string instruments and it is not unusual to have some friends show up to spread that good old gospel music.

Long Time Church Members - Past and Present

Mrs. Kerr The Harrington's

The Splawn's - a few years ago! Oma Splawn - Now

Dutch and Ruby Doshier Dutch and Ruby Doshier

Loyd & Zula McAlister Loyd McAlister - 1948

Photo taken before leaving for church in 1945. Loyd was Sunday School Superintendent and Song Leader at the Darwin Baptist Church.

Zula McAlister with Jerry Roberson outside church - Merrill-age14 & Shirley-age 8 - 1945
about 1945.

Shirley McAlister Smith - Oma Splawn -Omer Doshier Evelyn Doshier and Omer Doshier
Shirley has provided many of these photos for this page! Evelyn and Omer - two of my lifetime friends!

This event was so sudden that most of us can not still get over the loss of Omer. I am sure God has great plans for him. He is probably singing in heaven's choir and in their band right now! His voice is now perfect and his hands are limber and he can work any cord with ease! We love you, Brother! And we miss you Dearly! Bill Fleming

HE COULD GET INTO YOUR HEART

Omer Doshier was the kind of man

That could get into your heart;

You couldn’t help but love him,

And you’d know that from the start.

With guitar and friends around him,

What a joyful noise it made,

As they sang old gospel favorites

Like, “Where the roses Never Fade.”

Omer never met a stranger;

He could talk to anyone;

You’d be at ease in his presence,

For he was full of joy and fun.

With his music playing buddies,

We’d lift up our voice of praise;

It just couldn’t get much better

As our anthems we would raise.

He loved both Jesus and his church,

His family and his friends,

And often in the worship hour,

You’d hear his loud, “Amen!”

Those he worked with knew for certain

That he was a Christian man;

In a short time it was very sure

That they’d heard salvation’s plan.

With kids and grandkids who all loved him,

Sisters and wife Evelyn by his side,

He lived very close to heaven,

And his heart would swell with pride.

With Christian brothers and sisters,

His life filled to the brim;

He gave to God his very life,

And he lived that life for Him!

But now he’s gracing beautiful heaven,

And he’s with his Saviour there;

He eagerly awaits our coming

To that land so bright and fair.

How could Omer get into your heart?

The whole answer is simply this:

Before he ever got to know you,

Jesus Christ had got into His!

THE FUNERAL FOR OMER DOSHIER

WRITTEN BY CHARLES PARSON

The funeral for Omer was conducted in a way that I know was pleasing to God. David (Pastor Boutwell) and Darrell (Pastor Heath) was completely hidden behind the cross, allowing the Son of God to be glorified. The Holy Spirit was there to comfort the broken hearts, to convict of sin and plead for lost souls to turn to Jesus.

When we got to the grave side service, we were reminded of the fact that someday Omer's grave along with all born again saints would bust open. I was standing on the east side of the tent in the shade, and frankly was cold. I stepped backward several steps until the sun was shining on my face. When everyone was asked to join in singing "Amazing Grace," I closed my eyes, warmth started on my face and radiated throughout my body, and I opened my eyes because of the overwhelming presence of God.

Like the words of a song "and His presence rose like sunrise and in His glory my soul was blessed."
I thought of Revelation 21:23
'The city had no weed of the sun or moon. For the Glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light there of.'

I thank God for David and Darrell, old fashion, thus said the Lord, preachers speaking the word of God, that eternal life only comes from God's Son Jesus Christ.

The ones that are in true need are those that approach their appointment with death without knowing God's Son.

As for Omer, he gave his heart to Jesus long ago and his life preached his funeral

Web Entry: May 31, 2008

Can you recognize all of these Darwin Baptist Church Members? This was probably taken about 1945-46! Let me know who you know on the photo! Some of them are sort of hiding!

Back Row, Left to Right: Dutch Doshier, Dock Hill, Ester Hill, Rita Fleming, Byron Fleming, Unknown man, George Boykin;
Front Row, Ruby Doshier, Maudie May Doshier, Geneva Boykin

Old Revival Time at Darwin Baptist Church.
Pat and I were talking about the one preacher that took over Darwin with a big bang! We were both youngsters, but we remember that he was fire and brimstone, he would ride up and down the aisles on a broomstick like a horse. If he caught anyone nodding off in the service, he would come over right to your face and shout "BOOOOOO!" Even Mrs. Kerr didn't nod off in his service. He had everyone's undivided attention because they were wondering what he would do next! Pat said his name was Art Wright - I think that was probably right. The Lord used him fully that week because there were many people saved and joined the church! Praise the Lord!

This section is reserved for your comments. thoughts. and photos!

Return to: Darwin Baptist Church Main Web Page

Other Interesting Links

Christian Music Links - Lists many of your favorite Christian Singer web sites across America.
A Family Moment Christian Books
IX Web Hosting Affiliate Program
ChangingLINKS.com
Henderson Family Update Newsletter
Flemming-Henderson Family
Loughridge Family Genealogy
Poetry And More
Heaven's Gate Poems
Selected Poems
Sorrow Poems
Poems of Grace
New Poems
Prayer Poems
Amazing Poems
The Heath Family
Antlers OK Homecoming 2007
Sugar Loaf School

AddMe - Search Engine Optimization

Other Bizytex Links

[Church Page] [Fallen Stars] [Dec CA TX] [Christian Music] [Rita's Poems] [Fleming Family] [Brock Family] [Sturdevant Family] [Henderson Family] [Texas Country BB] [Angels And More] [Baby Poems] [Laugh Poems] [God's Corner] [Famous Oklahomans] [Web Page Format] [Search Engines] [Military Support] [Texas Colleges] [Klondike Cemetery] [American Indians] [Belzoni Cemetery] [Orville Couch] [Oprys-US] [Mt Pleasant Church Cemetery] [All Veterans Memorial] [Mt Zion Cemetery] [Mary Henderson Log Cabin] [Cowboy Western Music] [Presidential-Libraries] [Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery] [Darwin Baptist Church] [Darwin Church Memories] [Bill's Poems]

Return to: Bizytex Links

Send E-Mail Here

More of Our Web Pages:

Antlers OK - The Deer Capital of the World
Ardmore OK
Oklahoma City OK
Fun Vacation America
Fun Vacation USA
Florida Intracoastal Waterway
Orlando Florida
Delray Beach FL
Hollywood FL
Juno Beach FL
Jupiter Florida
Palm Beach Shores FL
West Palm Beach FL
Myrtle Beach SC
Gatlinburg Tennessee
Las Vegas Nevada
Laughlin Nevada
Pigeon Forge Tennessee
Aspen Colorado
Manitou Springs CO - Gateway to Pikes Peak
Kansas City Missouri
Frisco CO - A Mountain Fun Destination
Shreveport-Bossier City Louisiana
Tulsa Oklahoma
Asheville NC
Cherokee NC
Hendersonville NC
Lake Taneycomo-Branson MO
Table Rock Lake-Branson MO
Paris Texas
Honobia OK - Bigfoot Country
Nashoba OK
Flagstaff AZ
Barstow CA
Hollywood CA
BluegrassUS
Bluegrass Bands of Texas
Austin Country Music Links
Country Music Artist Oklahoma Links or OK Country.
Arkansas Country Music Links or AR Country
Missouri Country Music Links or MO Country
Tennessee Country Music Links or TN Country
Branson Missouri Shows!
Texas Christian Music Links
American Adventures
Bigfoot In Oklahoma!
Henderson Family Update Newsletter
Poetry And More
BizyTex Links
BizyOK Links
Lost Treasures
UFOs Texas